One Tree Hill: Each Main Character’s First & Last Line In The Series

Throughout One Tree Hill, the characters went through a lot, leading to plenty of growth. Some of the main characters left in season 6 and some parted ways a few episodes before the finale. They all played a significant role on the show and left with some pretty memorable parting words.

The series ended with all the remaining main characters attending a grown Jamie’s basketball game. Each character takes turns reciting a line directly to the fans having to do with wishes and beliefs. The show’s writers did a good job at maturing the characters each season into better people and all have spoken quite eloquently at one point or another. By looking at the main characters’ first and last lines on the show, viewers can see the differences clearly and reminisce fondly over the stories of each of these lines and the characters speaking them.

10 Dan Scott

“Nathan. Remember, 20 shots — no less.” – “I know where you’re going. But what about me?”

It is fitting that the tyrannical father figure Dan Scott start the show off with such a demanding line. It automatically sets up the relationship between Dan and his son Nathan and eludes to his controlling nature and how important the sport is to both of them.

After Dan kills his own brother, he spends the rest of his days trying to make up for his mistakes and find forgiveness from his family for his villainous ways. One Tree Hill gave him the perfect ending when he sacrificed himself to save Nathan. His last line on the show is during a vision he has of his brother Keith, who responds by telling Dan he’s going to the same place, meaning he has paid his penance.

9 Brooke Davis

” You know, it’s really too bad Lucas is poor and he can’t play because he is fine.” – “So make your wish. Do you have it?”

Brooke has one of the greatest character development on the show, besides maybe Dan. Her first line solidifies her as the flirt of the group. But by the time she graduates high school, she has given up her old ways and is devoted to focusing on her career and happiness.

After the time jump in season 5, she is seen successfully running her own business and builds a happy family with Julian and their children. Her last line is perfect for her because she really knew how to wish big and then succeed at making it come true.

8 Nathan Scott

” Got It, Dad.”- “Good. Now believe in it.”

The driving force behind Nathan’s motivations through most of the show is his desire to not be like his father. His dad is controlling and obsessed with Nathan being perfect at the game. In season 1, his father’s controlling nature drove Nathan away, to the point of emancipation and this first line was a perfect way to show the audience the relationship between the two early on.

His last line is a great way for Nathan to end the show since he struggled with believing in himself through most of the show, but when he finally did, he thrived.

7 Mouth McFadden

“And here he is, ladies and gentlemen, Lucas Scott. 137 and 3 going into tonight’s contest.”- “Make a wish and place it in your heart. Anything you want. Everything you want.”

This is the perfect way to introduce the character of the very likable Mouth, who not only gets his nickname from his big lips but from his ambitions of becoming a sports announcer.

His send-off is a sweet way for his character to say goodbye. He had big dreams and found a way to make them all come true. He found love with Millie and a successful job all while keeping his friends close.

6 Peyton Sawyer

“Let’s go, Nathan! Don’t bother showering tonight.” – “So take a look in that mirror and remind yourself to be happy, because you deserve to be. Believe that.”

It’s bizarre to remember that Peyton started the show off with Nathan, and this first line she says to Nathan would be surprising to fans who may have missed the first ew episodes. Nathan and Petyon really did not make a good couple but she did seem to find him attractive according to this first line.

Peyton may have made her exit a few seasons before the series finale but her last line would fit right in with the rest of the last lines. Like the finale, she speaks directly to the audience and they were great parting words from the girl who went through hell but finally found a happy ending.

5 Skills Taylor

“What’s up, baby?” – “You just might get the thing you’re wishing for.”

Skills were the best friend to many of the characters on the show, becoming an Uncle to Jamie and the breaker of a few hearts. His relaxed and humorous personality made him a fan favorite character and only he could pull off calling Lucas baby.

His character thankfully sticks around through the whole show, becoming an important part of the family that the friends create among themselves. His final words are to the viewers and are encouraging since it seems Skills found love with Bevin in the end.

4 Karen Roe

“Hey Honey.”- “She’s gonna be more than fine.

It may be unremarkable as the first lines go but it is fitting that her first lines are to her son Lucas, the person who is the most important to her. And in a perfect bookend for her character, her last line was also spoken to Lucas.

Her words are said to him while Peyton is in the hospital, and she reassures her son that she’s gonna pull through, and thankfully she was right. Karen was always optimistic and her refusal to be negative is what helps her and Lucas through a lot of events in their lives.

3 Haley James Scott

“Ew. The Magazine pages are sticky again. Little Pervs.” – “With All Your Heart.”

Haley has the funniest introduction to her character and it’s a great way to see the dynamic she has with Lucas right off the bat After she says this line, she turns to Lucas and blames him in her teasing manner. The sibling-like friendship between the two is a well-loved part of the show

Haleys last line to the audience is fitting for the girl who really did everything with all her heart. She went after her music and loved her family with everything she had and it really paid off for her, making these very wise words.

2 Lucas Scott

“Oh yeah. He used to live next door to you, right?”- “I will.”

Lucas doesn’t speak his first lines until a few scenes in, during the second time viewers see the boys gathered at the river court. Lucas’s first line is in response to Skills asking if he remembered Tim proceeded by a funny anecdote about Tim getting whipped with a towel in the locker room. Not the most meaningful first line but he does share a pretty meaningful first look with Peyton in the previous scene.

His final words on the show come after meeting Haley at the airport in the final season, with his promise that he will take care of Jamie while she tries to find a kidnapped Nathan, a sweet final scene shared between two friends who started it all.

1 Deb Scott

“Hey. Check it out. It’s called ‘dinner.’”- “Oh, as usual.”

Nathan’s mom Deb doesn’t appear until episode 8 of the first season but once she arrives she makes quite the impression. Viewers first see her in the kitchen, preparing a homecooked meal, a rare sight for Nathan and Dan, Her job caused her to be away a lot so this was both her way of apologizing for that and commenting on Dan’s lack of cooking skills.

Her final line on the show is said to Dan as he lays dying in the hospital. He jokingly asks for a final kiss and remarks that she’s gonna have to do most of the work and she replies perfectly with these three words.

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